Nicklaus hails DeChambeau as Woods and McIlroy fail to make charge

BY DALE RANKIN BRYSON DECHAMBEAU edged out South Korean An Byeong-hun and fellow American Kyle Stanley in a thrilling playoff to win the Memorial Tournament.

But it was a tale of despair for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy as their victory hopes fell apart on the final day in Dublin, Ohio.

Overnight leader DeChambeau drained a 12-foot downhill birdie putt at the second play-off hole, the par-four 18th, at Muirfield Village as An could only make par after a wayward approach.

Stanley was eliminated after a bogey at the first extra hole.

DeChambeau, who began the day with a one-shot lead, had a chance in regulation play to secure his second win on the PGA Tour but his celebration was put on hold after he missed his par putt from eight feet at the last.

The world No.38 carded a oneunder 71 for a 15-under 273, level with An (69) and Stanley (70).

The 24-year-old Californian was congratulated by tourney host Jack Nicklaus and said: “I feel real honour to be the champion this year. He (Nicklaus) puts on an amazing event.

“I played here a couple of years ago and was fortunate enough to get a sponsor’s invite from him so I’m forever in his debt.

“I wasn’t comfortable all day for some reason. I was fortunate enough to scrap around the golf course and get it done this week.”

Woods began the final day five shots behind DeChambeau and the 42-year-old made an early move with an opening birdie followed by another at the par-five fifth that brought him to 11 under and within three shots of the lead. The former world No.1, in his last start before the US Open, closed with an even-par 72 that left him six shots off the lead and in a share of 23rd place.

England’s Justin Rose (70) had to settle for joint sixth on 12 under, one shot ahead of an illustrious group that included Dustin Johnson (67), Justin Thomas (68), Rickie Fowler (68) and McIlroy (69).

Martin Laird shot a final-round 69 to finish seven shots behind DeChambeau while fellow Scot Russell Knox’s 72 saw him end the tournament five shots further back on four under. 273 – B DeChambeau 71, BH An 69 (Kor, K Stanley 70 (DeChambeau wins after 2nd extra hole). P Cantlay 71. P Uihlein 66. J Niemann 73, J Rose Eng) 70. R Fowler 68, D Johnson 67, R McIlroy (NI) 69, P Rodgers 68, J Thomas 68. M Laird 69, R Knox 72.